Chile - Santiago and surrounds, Atacama, wine

rainagain

Heading to Chile in January, anyone been relatively recently and have any info? Probably be three week trip, already have 9 days planned with organised group trip in the Andes.

For the rest of the time, thinking few days in Santiago and would like to do 2 or 3 days going to wineries, few days at the coast Valparaíso area and visit Atacama for the clear night skys and just being somewhere totally different. Any useful feedback and ideas welcome!

wolfyboy555

Atacama is like another world. Highly recommend. If you have time I'd even see about doing a salt flats tour that runs into Bolivia too. They leave from Atacama.

PoulMM

We went to Chile January 2023 with the help of Trail Finder on a group tour with Exodus /UK) and travelled both Santiago, Atacama, Lake District, Torres del Paine and Vina del Mar (Valparaiso).

In Santiago, we stayed near the tall skyscraber and on the first morning we took the metro to down town Santiago. It's massive city. It was a Sunday morning and all was quiet. Later, we were warned against pick pockets. One person from our group actually got his wallet stolen by 2 men, so we got more careful but didn't experience any incidents. Santiago is a massive city.

Next was a flight to the Atacama. It was a bit disappointing for a couple of reasons. We arrived Calama and headed towards San Pedro de Atacama. Large desert areas are covered with PV solar panels or wind turbine parks. One can understand why the Chileans wish to build here, however, it destroys the nature and serenity. San Pedro was too commercialised, but never mind as long as people stay in the village. We booked tickets for a night sky viewing walk, however, clouds meant the walk was cancelled, and the company never payed us back in spite of reminders. Don't waste your time or money. Other than that I'd love to go back. Seeing the volcanos and the endless Andes range and saltflats were amazing.

We went to the Lake District. Worth visiting, but nothing surprising. Contrary to this is the Torres del Paine. A highlight of our tour.

We finished off at the Sheraton Miramar in Vina del Mar. The waves hitting the beaches were massive. I loved watching the huge pelicans cruising above the wave crests. We rented a car and went visiting some wineries, incl. Ventemura. Here, my wife learned about the wine Carmenere, which aparently is fantastic. There are plenty of wineries though not all are open. Our recommendation would be to visit Errazuriz in Aconcagua Valley. It was practically empty when we were there and brilliant.

The Nal

You could do a couple of days in Mendoza. Not too far a drive.

rainagain

Thanks, that will all help with my planning! Not going south, maybe and hopefully a future trip.

Our Andes trip finishes in Mendoza at "Club Tapiz boutique winery" with lunch. Is it worth staying in Mendoza for a night or two? We'll only have clothes from the mountain trip, 10kg max including sleeping bag - I've no problem going around in the same (stinky) clothes but the locals may not appreciate it...!

The Nal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122702539#Comment_122702539

Ha, yeah worth a night certainly. Theres a few nice bars and restaurants around Plaza Independcia. Av San Martin mainly. San Martin Park is lovely and worth a stroll. Food in the city is fantastic.